Debbie Brown, Eddie's daughter Hundreds of friends and members of Eddie Brown's family gathered at the Mouse Trap Thursday, August 6, 2009, to celebrate his 20 years of service to the state of South Carolina. The event was hosted by the Secretary of State, Mark Hammond, and Bill and Elizabeth Jerry, owners of the Mouse Trap.

Eddie sang and played guitar for customers once a week at the Mouse Trap. Many remember him as Sweet Thang when he performed alone and later when he was joined by Marion Brown.

Ross Holmes, as emcee, introduced Secretary of State Mark Hammond who read a statement from Lt. Gov. André Bauer honoring Eddie.

"It is indeed an honor to recognize Charles E. Eddie Brown as a South Carolina Palmetto Patriot.

"It is a very distinct honor to recognize Charles E. Brown of the Secretary of State's Office with the Palmetto Patriot Award. Eddie, a valued state employee has served the citizens of S.C. for 20 years. He has been the director of charities for the Secretary of State's Office for 18 years and was a special investigator with the Civil Division of the Attorney General's Office for two years.

Secretary of State Mark Hammond recognizes Charles E. "Eddie" Brown as a South Carolina Patriot. "During his 20 year career, he has endeared himself to the Secretary of State's Office by providing information to South Carolinians about unscrupulous charities and scammers. His dedication and work ethic is unsurpassed and evidenced by the presentations he gave to many groups and organizations. South Carolinians have been grateful for the information he has shared in order to ensure their donations were not misused. His work did not stop with the citizens. He became proactive in drafting legislation related to charitable solicitation, the Non- profit Corporatioin Act, business laws and many other amendments or changes in the laws that the Secretary of State Office regulates.

"To his credit, Eddie served on a panel with the president of the National Association of State's Charitable Officials and the president of the National Charities Information Bureau. Also, Eddie became involved with the Federal Trade Commission's Multi- State Sweep of Fradulent Fundraisers and Business Opportunity Fraud.

Eddie Brown and Renee Daggerhart, executive assistant/media relations for Hammond. "One very notable accomplishment is Eddie was known as Sweet Thang on the nightly music circuit from 1971- 1986. Today, he serenades his family and his special granddaughter. It is with great respect, admiration, and sincere appreciation that I name Charles E. Brown a true Palmetto Patriot August 5, 2009."

Andre Bauer

Sweet Thang ended the evening with a song.

Larry Brown, Eddie's brother Derrick Freshman and Stephanie Taylor, Eddie Brown's physical therapists Eddie Brown and Teresa Shealy, deputy general counsel Dottie Brown, Eddie's sister- in- law Mel Brown, Eddie's brother Photos by Mimi M. Maddock Jim Miles, Marion Brown, and Lewis Pitts Elizabeth and Bill Jerry, owners of the Mouse Trap Bobby Blankenship, Robert Brutchy, and Bobby Ginn greet guests as they enter the Mouse Trap Marion Brown and Eddie Brown Hank Padgett and VJ Shealy Daisy Harmon Ross Holmes, emcee Happy Holmes and Carey Anne Blankenship Tom Morgan Elaine and Weems Baskin Bill Fincher